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2024 Convention Audio

The following 21 audio files with descriptions of events were recorded at the 2024 FCB Convention. You may read down the page to listen to the audios, or use the Table of Contents links that skip to coordinating events.

2024 Pre-Convention Board Meeting
2024 Advocating For Live Audio Description in the Arts
2024 Braille Revival League of Florida (BRLF) - Election of Board Members and Exploring Braille Board Games
2024 CCTB Presentation: A Focus on Travel
2024 CVS Prescription Information - Spoken Rx
2024 Democracy Live: Bridging Perspectives Advocating for Electronic Ballot Return
2024 Employment Committee Panel Discussion: Mastering Job Interviewing Techniques
2024 Executive Committee Meeting May 17, 2024
2024 FCB Annual Awards & Scholarship Banquet
2024 FCB Annual Banquet
2024 FCB Annual Legislative Seminar: Lessons in Advocacy
2024 FCB Annual Town Hall Meeting
2024 FCB Annual Business Meeting
2024 FCB's New and Improved Website
2024 FCB Technology Committee Program AI and You
2024 Florida Council of Citizens with Low Vision Presentation: Accessible Pharmacy
2024 Guide Dog Users of Florida Seminar: What is Involved in the Breeding, Matching, and Training of Guide Dogs
2024 Opening Ceremony: Keys to Effective, Meaningful, and Relevant Communication
2024 Resource Development at the American Council of the Blind
2024 Show Me The Money: Chapter Tips and Tricks for Fundraising and Budgeting
2024 Spectrum's Accessibility Offerings

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Pre-Convention Board Meeting

2024 Pre-Convention Board Meeting

Audio Description: Advocating for Live Audio Description in the Arts

2024 Advocating For Live Audio Description in the Arts

Attending local arts and cultural events, such as plays, musicals, dance, family theatre and the like, is part of living in great communities. But how do you best advocate for audio description when many performing arts organizations have never heard of it? Join Stasha Boyd, Brian Smith and Marsha Bukala of Central Florida’s Audio Description Initiative as we share the action steps we took to go from no theatres providing audio description at the start of 2022 to over ten different theatres and more than 45 audio described performances by the end of 2023.

Braille Revival League of Florida (BRLF)

2024 Braille Revival League of Florida (BRLF) - Election of Board Members and Exploring Braille Board Games

Come in and be a winner with BRLF. After our election of board members, BRLF will explore Braille board games.  We’ll explore how to get, make, or play braille games.  We’ll also have group interaction about the topic.  Come explore with us as we create loads of fun!

Coalitions for the Concerns of the Totally Blind (CCTB): This year the CCTB Program will focus on travel

2024 CCTB Presentation: A Focus on Travel

Katie White is a travel agent with her own business, Magical Moments Vacations. She specializes in planning Disney vacations of all kinds, trips to Universal Resort, cruises, and all-inclusive vacations for blind or visually impaired people, as well as wheelchair users and those with sensory sensitivity.

If you are interested in travel, you won't want to miss this presentation, so join us for what I think will be a very informative presentation, and be prepared with questions about any travel plans you may be considering.

CVS Prescription Information

2024 CVS Prescription Information - Spoken Rx

CVS Health is proud to be a Gold Sponsor of the FCB Convention. Erin Lauridsen, a member of the CVS Health Accessibility team who is blind, will tell you about Spoken Rx, which allows people who are visually impaired to hear critical information about their CVS prescriptions using an app or stand-alone reader.

Democracy Live: Bridging Perspectives: Advocating for Electronic Ballot Return

2024 Democracy Live: Bridging Perspectives Advocating for Electronic Ballot Return

In this thought-provoking session, we'll delve into the crucial topic of electronic ballot return and its significance for individuals facing print challenges. As the forefront leaders in election technology, we're excited to engage with you on how to effectively communicate the importance of accessible at-home voting to other advocacy groups.

Have you ever wondered why some advocacy groups oppose electronic ballot return without understanding its full potential? Join us as we explore the underlying concerns and misconceptions surrounding this technology.
Throughout the session, we'll discuss strategies for initiating dialogue and collaboration with these groups, fostering understanding, and promoting inclusive voting practices for all.

Don't miss this opportunity to be part of a dynamic conversation that aims to drive positive change in electoral accessibility! Mark your calendars and join us in shaping the future of voting rights for every individual. See you there

FCB Employment Committee

2024 Employment Committee Panel Discussion: Mastering Job Interviewing Techniques

The Florida Council of the Blind’s Employment Committee’s program will be a panel discussion highlighting Skills Needed for Mastering Job Interviewing Techniques.

The discussion will focus on the employer and the job applicant during the process.

Discussion Topics will include:

  1. Preparing For A Job Interview: such as researching the business before the interview, so that the applicant is prepared to engage in conversation about the business.
  2. During the interview: know that the applicant is qualified for the job.
  3. Listen And Not Interrupt: Allow interviewer to complete statements and ask questions.
  4. Grooming And Posture: “Dress to impress,” “Be Your Best!”
  5. Why do you feel that you will do well in this business?
  6. DISCLOSURE RIGHTS: will be discussed.

Come and be prepared with questions about interviewing.

Executive Committee Meeting

2024 Executive Committee Meeting May 17, 2024

Awards and Scholarship Banquet

2024 FCB Annual Awards & Scholarship Banquet

Join us on Friday evening to celebrate and recognize FCB leaders and deserving students at a special dinner hosted in their honor by the Awards, Education, Leadership and Scholarships Committees. Select advocates and leaders will be recognized with prestigious awards and deserving students will be presented with valuable scholarships. There will be a cash bar; cash only; no credit cards will be accepted.

FCB'S Annual Banquet: hosted by FCB President, Sheila Young

2024 FCB Annual Banquet

FCB’s Banquet speaker is Kolby Garrison who is the ACB Development Officer for fundraising.
Kolby is from North Carolina and has been working for ACB for three years. She is passionate about advocating for accessibility and improving life for people with disabilities. Outside of work, she loves NASCAR, reading, and singing.

Scott Thornhill, newly appointed Director of American Council of the Blind, will tell us about himself and his plans for ACB.

FCB Annual Legislative Seminar: Lessons in Advocacy

2024 FCB Annual Legislative Seminar: Lessons in Advocacy

Come join us as we highlight the necessary journey that we take to Capitol Hill each year, this time, returning to our practice of meeting face to face with legislative assistants from the offices of every member of the Florida Congressional Delegation. You will hear from our advocates who faithfully visit the Hill each year. You will have the privilege of hearing from FCB members who paid their first visit to Capitol Hill with us this year as they share their fresh vision of this experience.  
 
You will hear from those who traveled to Tallahassee representing FCB with NFB  of Florida, DBS and agencies serving the blind, for the purpose of formally re-introducing ourselves to the Florida Legislature as the first step in establishing a more collaborative and meaningful presence in the State Capitol.
 
Claire Stanley, who recently returned to ACB as its Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs, will advise us about publicizing and gaining support for local, state and national issues that are pivotal to our full participation in the life of our community, State and country.
 
Kevin Alkinburg, a Legislative Assistant from the office of Representative John Rutherford, will speak with us about how to prepare to have the best outcome when meeting with a member or staffer from the Florida Congressional Delegation or Florida Legislature or any policy maker or their staff.
 
Please join us and support those members of FCB who have bravely represented all of Florida's citizens who are blind and visually impaired with courage, commitment, and heart.

FCB Annual Town Hall Meeting

2024 FCB Annual Town Hall Meeting

Plan to attend this exciting and informative meeting moderated by President Sheila Young.  You will hear from the Director of the Division of Blind Services, (DBS) Robert Doyle, regarding the current status of the goals and mission of the agency including specific news that he wishes to bring to us.  After Mr. Doyle’s formal presentation, he will introduce Nicole Sanders, Bureau Chief of the Talking Book Library.  Questions will be entertained from the audience.

FCB Annual Business Meeting

2024 FCB Annual Business Meeting

Bright and early on Sunday morning, you can claim your right and responsibility as an FCB member by participating in the organization's annual business meeting. Hear from leaders about progress made and work yet needing to be done and discover what important role you can play in advocacy.

FCB’s New and Improved Website

2024 FCB's New and Improved Website

Come meet Annette Carter, Master Website Developer, our new website administrator, who will tell you all about the changes she has made to our website.  She will also answer any questions from the participants.

FCB Technology Committee Program AI And you!

2024 FCB Technology Committee Program AI and You

Have you ever taken a picture in an unfamiliar environment and instantly received a written or spoken description of the entire scene, replete with wall art, furniture, people and the clothing they are wearing? Or, have you wondered if your kids (or you) could feed a couple facts to an electronic device and get BACK a full-blown essay or short story in response? What about music? Would you like to write a song for your parents’ anniversary that has tiny personal details about them and their years together right there in the chorus? And HAVE you taken full advantage of the power available right there in your Amazon Echo (Alexa), who could tell you everything from how to fold a fitted sheet or preserve fresh basil, TO ways to teach your cat a new trick, or tune your ukulele? These are the kinds of worlds that will be explored in the realm of Artificial Intelligence, “AI and You”. Come learn and laugh with us as we explore what AI can do for people who are blind and visually impaired.
Room: Port Winward ACB Media Stream

Florida Council of Citizens with Low Vision (FCCLV): Plan to join Mary Ann Grignon from Accessible Pharmacy

2024 Florida Council of Citizens with Low Vision Presentation: Accessible Pharmacy

The purpose of this session is to enlighten attendees about Accessible Pharmacy for the Blind and all of the opportunities available to patients and those who are blind and visually impaired in general.

We will focus on what puts the Accessible in Accessible Pharmacy, what products/medications are available in our pharmacy, new programs that are now available and the many informational webinars previously presented and those to come.  Finally, we will leave plenty of time for questions and answers.

Guide Dog Users of Florida (GDUF): What is involved in the breeding, matching and training of guide dogs?

2024 Guide Dog Users of Florida Seminar: What is Involved in the Breeding, Matching, and Training of Guide Dogs

Are you currently working with a guide dog, or have you thought about using this form of independent mobility? Christie Bane, the Assistant Director of Puppy raising Services at Southeastern Guide Dogs, as well as a Guide Dog Mobility Instructor (GDMI), Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS), and published author writing Forward Together, with more than 30 years of experience, will share her knowledge and opinions about what makes an effective guide dog team. Join Guide Dog Users of Florida (GDUF) to learn about the breeding, raising, training, matching and instruction process. We’re honored to have Christie speak to us via Zoom.
Come and get your questions answered.

71st Annual State Convention: Opening Ceremony

2024 Opening Ceremony: Keys to Effective, Meaningful, and Relevant Communication

The theme of this year's opening session is: Keys to Effective, Meaningful and Relevant Communication
Moderated by Debbie Grubb

Included in the panel of experts in communicating effectively who will join us to share their knowledge, experience and insight are:
Mark Richert, Director of Public Policy for the American Foundation for the Blind;
Paul Edwards, Past President of ACB and FCB;
Penny Reeder, Chair of the ACB Board of Publications; and
Pam Shaw, Certified Life Coach Joy Restoration Specialist.  

Some of the topics that will be brought to us by our amazing panelists are:

  • Bringing clarity and purpose to a communication;
  • Determining how best to ensure that the words truly express the intent of the communication;
  • Responding to those to whom the communication is addressed that provides an opportunity for all to hear and to be heard;
  • Achieving an outcome that is positive and inclusive while never violating the foundational principles on which the cause is built.

Resource Development at the American Council of the Blind

2024 Resource Development at the American Council of the Blind

(ACB) operates through a strategic and multifaceted approach aimed at fostering relationships, understanding donor interests, and maximizing fundraising opportunities in support of ACB’s mission and its programs and services. At its core, development involves identifying and engaging with the "right" prospects, cultivating relationships, and making targeted funding requests which are aligned with donors' capacity and interests.

Presenters Kolby Garrison, ACB Development Officer; Jo Lynn Bailey-Page, Associate Director of Development; and Bill Reeder, ACB Interim Director of Development, will help you understand the approaches ACB uses to raise funds and answer your fundraising-related questions. They look forward to your participation in this fun and interactive session.

Show Me the Money – Chapter Tips and Tricks for Fundraising and Budgeting

2024 Show Me The Money: Chapter Tips and Tricks for Fundraising and Budgeting

Hosted by: Greater Orlando Council of the Blind (GOCB) and The FCB Fundraising Committee

Are you struggling to make money for your local FCB chapter? Is the thought of planning a chapter budget feeling sometimes overwhelming or beyond your expertise? The Greater Orlando Council Of The Blind (GOCB) Chapter was feeling this way 10 years ago. We would like to have an open discussion on how things are going for your chapter and GOCB would be happy to share the steps we took to create an environment for understanding the budget process and how fundraising projects have brought our chapter closer together. Please bring your chapter’s fundraising experiences and let’s exchange ideas. Fundraising can be a whole lot of fun!

Panel Participants:
Moderator: Dan Spoone
Panelists: Marsha Bukala, Leslie Spoone, Janeen Lea, and Kolby Garrison, ACB Development Officer

Join Petr Kucheryavyy, Sr. Manager with Spectrum’s Accessibility team 

2024 Spectrum's Accessibility Offerings

He will present an informative look at all of Spectrum’s Accessibility offerings. Find out what’s new with the Spectrum Access app, Spectrum TV App, accessible Self-Support and more. Additionally, learn about the all new Xumo Stream Box with a voice control remote, available now.

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